Comsumer unit - upstairs/downstairs ring mains

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

Hello,

I bought a new build and noticed the upstairs MCB is controlling some sockets on the opposite floor, so if I flick the upstairs MCB it's also switching off a socket downstairs (I think it's a spur) in addition to all the ones upstairs

Is there anything within 7671 that states this is wrong?

I asked the contactor on site and they said it can be re-wired but it's down to my prefrence. Is this correct? Surely the regs have something to say on this.

P.S this same contractor didn't earth some of the metal faceplate light switches (including backbox) - so I don't trust them at all. Despite having a NIC form filled in and signed by two qualifed electricans!!

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

westward10 said:
Are the building company still on site?

They are. I asked one why it wasn't earthed correctly and he said it was an "oversight". It's fixed now (I basically told them to go around with a tester and touch each light switch for earth) but as a homeowner why am I picking these things up? Hence my concerns now with the MCBs on the consumer unit.

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

taconite1 said:
They are. I asked one why it wasn't earthed correctly and he said it was an "oversight". It's fixed now (I basically told them to go around with a tester and touch each light switch for earth) but as a homeowner why am I picking these things up? Hence my concerns now with the MCBs on the consumer unit.

Pic attached - found 6 more like this

[ElectriciansForums.net] Comsumer unit - upstairs/downstairs ring mains

brianmoooore · Sep 26, 2023

taconite1 said:
I realise that - problem was neither were earthed....

So what did they actually do with the earth wire?

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

brianmoooore said:
So what did they actually do with the earth wire?

Choc block - see pic above

westward10 · Sep 26, 2023

I couldn't have connected that any worse if I'd tried. That screams unskilled incompetence.

pc1966 · Sep 26, 2023

taconite1 said:
Pic attached - found 6 more like this

That is simply rubbish and clearly wrong on a couple of levels.

brianmoooore · Sep 26, 2023

Pic wasn't there when I wrote that.
Absolutely unbelievable standard of work.

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

Yeap agreed! I told them this. All I got was a shrug and a claim they'd fix them.

They also tried to claim I shouldn't be taking faceplates off walls. However I deem myself competent and therefore within the regs. He was a bit stunned when I quoted that. Think he was more upset he was caught doing rubbish work.

westward10 · Sep 26, 2023

You need to speak to the site manager not the electrical contractors. I suspect he/she may also shrug because it is being rectified but ask for their name subject to a complaint to the main contractor.

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

westward10 said:
You need to speak to the site manager not the electrical contractors. I suspect he/she may also shrug because it is being rectified but ask for their name subject to a complaint to the main contractor.

Already tried that. I said they need sacking. His response was if they sacked everyone who did a rubbish job he'd have no one to build houses! That site manager quit a week later. The new one just avoids me now. I've apprantly got a reputation on site!

littlespark · Sep 26, 2023

What’s wrong with a homeowner taking a faceplate off if you isolate the circuit?

Do you have the option of a snagging list period?

New build developments are notorious for corner cutting…. In all trades.
I’m still coming across issues with my electrics after 14 years.

Tell them you’re going to organise an EICR from your own choice of electrician to find any more issues if they don’t sort it all pronto.

The threat of contacting BBC Rogue Traders can also work wonders.

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

littlespark said:
What’s wrong with a homeowner taking a faceplate off if you isolate the circuit?

Do you have the option of a snagging list period?

New build developments are notorious for corner cutting…. In all trades.
I’m still coming across issues with my electrics after 14 years.

Tell them you’re going to organise an EICR from your own choice of electrician to find any more issues if they don’t sort it all pronto.

The threat of contacting BBC Rogue Traders can also work wonders.

Exactly my point to them. They clearly just don't like being questioned on the regs by a DIYer like me.

Yes it was on the snag list. Been here 8 weeks now. Problem is they repair it but what about the other houses who don't spot these things? I bet professional snaggers don't take faceplates off.

The EICR is a waste of time from what I've seen here

westward10 · Sep 26, 2023

Go direct to the main contractor. Those on site are not interested they just want it wrapped up to move on, as already said the quality of work carried out on modern house builds is dire.

ipf · Sep 26, 2023

It's scandalous.... but such standards seem to be the norm these days.
It's also scandalous a house owner be fobbed off, by the contractor, as a trouble maker for reporting such an important matter. Report to main contractors and make it public.
EIC for a new installation, for what it's worth.

taconite1 · Sep 26, 2023

ipf said:
It's scandalous.... but such standards seem to be the norm these days.
It's also scandalous a house owner be fobbed off, by the contractor, as a trouble maker for reporting such an important matter. Report to main contractors and make it public.
EIC for a new installation, for what it's worth.

Thanks!

What good is a EIC if an electrican gets his mate to sign it? Would anything come of reporting them to NICEIC?